Former Apple engineer raises $5M for a note-taking pendant that only records your voice

The evolution of wearable technology is taking a fascinating turn, as voice transcription and note-taking emerge as key applications driven by advancements in AI voice-to-text capabilities. Startups such as Plaud and Pocket are already creating solutions that record and summarize meetings, while others like Friend and Omi are exploring unique formats like pendants and wristbands to capture daily interactions. However, privacy concerns have arisen, as individuals are naturally wary of being recorded without their consent. Addressing these issues is Taya, a startup founded by former Apple design engineer Elena Wagenmans. Taya's innovative device is designed to record only the user's voice, cleverly disguised as a stylish pendant. Priced at $89, the Taya Necklace features a simple button that allows users to start and stop recordings, with the microphone remaining off by default. Accompanying the necklace is a dedicated iOS app that not only saves recorded notes but also includes an AI-powered chat feature for users to interact with their saved content. Unlike many competitors, Taya focuses on ensuring that the device captures solely the user's voice. During the onboarding process, users are prompted to record a voice snippet, which the device uses to prioritize their voice while minimizing background noise. The company is also testing directional microphones to enhance this functionality. Recently, Taya announced it secured $5 million in seed funding, led by MaC Venture Capital and Female Founders Fund, with contributions from a16z Speedrun. Wagenmans established the company in 2024 alongside former Apple colleagues Cinnamon Sipper and Amy Zhou, who have since departed. She expressed her vision of creating an aesthetically pleasing wearable that empowers users, addressing common concerns about privacy and social perceptions that often deter individuals from using such devices. Wagenmans emphasized that Taya is about personal utility, aiming to capture the user's voice rather than ambient conversations. "We realized that there is a lot of utility that you can provide, being a single-player gadget. Essentially, we want to capture your voice, not the room that you’re in or the other people," she explained. In terms of development, the startup is exploring various methods to enhance note-taking and provide users with confirmation that their notes have been successfully saved. Currently, Taya operates with a small team of five full-time employees and several contractors based in San Francisco. According to Adrian Fenty, managing partner at MaC Venture Capital, Taya's unique approach as a privacy-focused device that resembles fashionable jewelry could help it expand beyond early adopters. "We believe that Taya can aid in personal growth and understanding one’s behavior while making it enjoyable," Fenty stated.